With refined grace, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) continues its 42nd concert season, Modulatio, with CONCERT II: ELEGANCE on October 16, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., at Manila’s historic Metropolitan Theater.
Guided by the baton of renowned Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, the PPO reinterprets timeless compositions by Filipino conductor Redentor Romero, German-British Baroque composer George Frideric Handel, and Polish composer Zygmunt Noskowski with renewed elegance and sophistication.
The second installment of the concert series features Filipino classical pedal harpist Vien Ignacio in a world-class performance.
A repertoire evoking the warmth of home
The PPO sets the stage with the heartwarming nostalgia of Romero’s Philippine Portraits. Reflecting the composer’s profound love for his homeland, the piece passionately weaves iconic local romantic melodies into a rich symphonic tapestry.
In his legacy as the country’s pioneering conductor who made his mark on the international music scene, Romero dedicated his craft to uplifting local talent, leaving Philippine Portraits as a lasting homage to the Filipino spirit.
The concert will then treat its audiences to the alluring melody of Handel’s Harp Concerto in B-flat Major, Op. 4, No. 6 (HWV 294), with guest soloist Ignacio joining the PPO to envelop the hall with refined and exquisite sound.
First performed in February 1736 as part of his ode Alexander’s Feast for Saint Cecilia, Handel’s composition showcases the harp’s elegance. Through its delicate melodies and bright, soothing tones, the concerto creates a peaceful atmosphere that feels as comforting and familiar as the warmth of home.
Meanwhile, from being introduced to the pedal harp at three and a half to sweeping international awards at present, 14-year-old prodigy Ignacio has been nothing short of remarkable. Trained under renowned musician Olga Shevelevich, she has graced stages both locally and across the globe as a proud representative of the Philippines.
Recently, Ignacio’s exceptional musical trajectory was recognized at the 2025 Scandinavian International Instrument Music Competition, where she swept First Place in the harp division and received special diplomas for the Best Performance of a Romantic Piece and the Child Prodigy awards.
Moving from quiet solace to a sweeping symphonic poem, PPO Concert II: Elegance brings its musical journey to a close with Noskowski’s The Steppe, Op. 66. Composed in 1896, this piece was written out of deep patriotism when Poland was stripped of its sovereignty. Inspired by the vast plains of his homeland, Noskowski composed it to reflect the quiet beauty, solitude, and untamed freedom of the landscapes, honoring his nation’s spirit with a soaring finale.
The perfect haven for pure musical elegance
While weaving distinct images of landscapes together in a timeless repertoire, PPO Concert II: Elegance beautifully manifests the perfect haven for orchestral brilliance. The orchestra elevates the local concert experience, escorting its audiences into an evening of sophisticated artistry and emotional depth by breathing life into masterworks.
Much like the successful first concert of the season, PPO Concert II: Elegance shelters audiences in comfort and nostalgia, ultimately proving that great music evokes inspiration, quiet reflections, and transformations.
To experience this unforgettable evening of music and artistic excellence, tickets are available at TicketWorld. Be a PPO subscriber for exclusive deals and contact salesandpromotions@culturalcenter.gov.ph or call the CCP Box Office at +63 931-033-0880.
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